What are the symptoms of dogs drinking bad water?

Dogs, like humans, need access to clean, fresh water to stay healthy. However, sometimes dogs end up drinking bad water, either due to contamination or improper storage. Drinking bad water can cause a number of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in dogs.

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What is Considered Bad Water for Dogs?

There are a few different types of water that would be considered unsafe for dog consumption:

Stagnant water – Water that has been sitting for a long period of time allows bacteria, parasites, and other organisms to multiply to dangerous levels.

Contaminated water – Water that contains toxic substances like antifreeze, pesticides, oil, etc. is unsafe.
Salty water – Ocean water or saltwater pools can cause water intoxication or electrolyte imbalances.
Spoiled water – Standing water like pond water or water that has had debris sitting in it can harbor harmful microbes.

Even tap water can be considered bad if it contains high levels of heavy metals, pollution, chlorine, or fluoride. The best water for dogs is fresh, filtered water that is changed frequently.

How Might Dogs Ingest Bad Water?

There are a few ways dogs may end up drinking contaminated or spoiled water sources:

Drinking stagnant water from outdoor sources like ponds, ditches, or water collecting in tarps or buckets outside.

Drinking standing toilet water or water from backed up drains in the home.
Drinking water that has had toys, food bowls or other debris sitting in it for a long time.
Drinking tap water high in contaminants if owners do not use a water filter.

Intentionally or unintentionally drinking toxic substances that have spilled or leaked into standing water.
Drinking saltwater from oceans or beaches.

Owners should take care to limit a dog’s access to any standing water source outdoors. Indoors, always provide fresh, filtered water and empty and refresh bowls daily to prevent stagnation.

What are the Symptoms of Consuming Bad Water?

If a dog ingests bad water, they may show a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe:

Digestive Upset – Just like humans, dogs may experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea after drinking contaminated water. This is often one of the first symptoms noticed.
Lethargy – A dog who has consumed unhealthy water may act very tired or weak. They may have less interest in walks, play or interacting.

Loss of Appetite – A sick dog tend to lose interest in food and may skip meals after drinking bad water.
Poor Skin and Coat Condition – Sickness from bad water can leave a dog looking unwell, with dry, flaky skin and shedding, dull coat.
Weight Loss – Between vomiting, diarrhea and disinterest in food, dogs can lose weight rapidly after ingesting bad water.

Eye Discharge – Dogs may develop discharge or crusting around the eyes when unwell.
Dark or Bloody Stool – Serious intestinal irritation or infection from contaminants can cause very dark tar-like stool or stool with mucus or blood.
Difficulty Urinating – Toxins from bad water sources can damage the urinary tract, making urination painful.

Muscle Tremors or Seizures – With some water-borne toxins like heavy metals, dogs may have involuntary muscle movements or seizures.
Difficulty Breathing – Fluid in the lungs from infections like leptospirosis can lead to labored breathing.
Fever – The immune system reacts to water-borne bacteria, viruses and parasites with a fever.

Jaundice – Certain toxins and infections can damage the liver, causing yellowing of the eyes and gums.

In most mild cases, dogs may simply seem “off” for a day or two with some vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, they can develop life-threatening symptoms that require emergency vet attention.

Common Diseases Spread Through Bad Water

There are a range of specific illnesses dogs can contract from contaminated water sources. Some examples include:

Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through urine of infected wildlife that gets into standing water or ponds. It causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle pain and sometimes jaundice or serious kidney/liver damage if untreated. Dogs may need IV fluids and antibiotic therapy.
Giardiasis – An intestinal parasite that causes chronic soft, foul-smelling diarrhea. It is spread through contact with infected feces or food and water bowls. Dogs show greasy diarrhea, gas, vomiting and weight loss typically over weeks to months.
Campylobacteriosis – Bacterial infection causing diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy in dogs. It spreads through contaminated water and improper food handling.

Cryptosporidiosis – A protozoal parasite that spreads through water, causing diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, fever and lethargy in dogs. It may last weeks and can lead to weight loss.
Cyanobacteria Poisoning – Also called “blue green algae,” these toxic bacteria grow in standing water when temperatures are warm. They cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, breathing issues, and liver damage. They can be fatal within hours without treatment.

There are many other possible illnesses including salmonellosis, viruses like parvo, and internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms that can infect dogs when they drink contaminated water.

How are These Diseases Diagnosed?

If a dog shows symptoms of illness after drinking bad water, the vet will start by reviewing the history with the owner and performing a physical exam. They will check temperature, listen to the abdomen and feel for an enlarged liver or painful bladder.

Initial testing often includes:

CBC (complete blood count) – Checks for anemia, infection, inflammation, hydration status and electrolyte levels.

Biochemistry panel – Assesses kidney, liver, pancreatic and electrolyte function.
Urinalysis – Checks for bacteria, blood, crystals, protein and more that signal infection or organ problems.
Fecal analysis – Checks a stool sample for intestinal parasites.

If these are inconclusive, more specific testing may include:

Leptospirosis PCR testing on urine or blood.
Radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen to check for obstruction or organ changes.

Abdominal ultrasound to visualize the GI tract, kidneys, liver and spleen.
Endoscopy to obtain intestinal biopsy samples.
Culture and sensitivity testing on vomit or stool to identify infectious organisms.

Specialized tests like a Giardia ELISA on feces.

Once an infection or toxin is identified, the appropriate treatment can begin.

How are These Diseases Treated?

Most dogs who have consumed bad water will need some form of supportive care to restore fluid/electrolyte balance and nutrition:

IV fluids – Used to correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Anti-emetics – Medication to control vomiting.
Special diet – A bland, easily digestible diet as the condition improves.

Probiotics – To restore normal intestinal bacteria after infection.

Additionally, specific therapy may include:

Antibiotics – Used for bacterial infections like leptospirosis, campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis.

Antiparasitics – Medication to kill intestinal parasites and protozoa.
Activated charcoal – Used to absorb toxins.
Liver protectants – Supplements to support the liver.

Kidney medications – Given for kidney failure related to toxins.

With aggressive therapy, many dogs recover fully from water-borne illnesses. However, some dogs can have lasting kidney or liver damage afterwards requiring long-term management.

How Can Bad Water be Avoided?

The best way to prevent dogs from getting sick is to always provide clean, fresh drinking water. Tips include:

Use filtered water for your dog’s drinking and food prep.
Change water bowls daily and clean thoroughly.
Don’t allow access to standing water outside.

Keep toilet lids down and use child locks if needed.
Repair any leaking pipes, outdoor drains or standing water issues on property.
Pick up debris and dog waste outside to avoid contamination runoff.

Keep garbage cans tightly closed so dogs can’t access.
Use dog proof latches on cabinets containing chemicals.
Teach children not to share human drinks or foods with pets.

With proper precautions, owners can ensure their dogs always have safe, clean water to drink and keep them well-hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion

Dogs can develop mild to life-threatening illness when they drink contaminated water. Stagnant, chemical-laden or waste-infected water sources carry bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins that make dogs sick. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever and breathing issues may develop, sometimes rapidly. Diseases including leptospirosis, giardiasis, campylobacteriosis and cyanobacteria poisoning are risks. With testing and proper treatment, most dogs recover fully. Avoiding stagnant outdoor water sources, using filtered water and promptly treating any illness can keep dogs safe. Be vigilant about dogs accessing unhealthy water so they avoid getting sick.